Our History

Founded in 1898 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Holt’s Cigar Company is one of the oldest and most respected premium cigar retailers in the world. Family-owned and operated by the Levin family since the 1950s, Holt’s has built a legacy of excellence spanning three generations.

Albert and Jean Levin purchased Holt’s in 1957. Their son, Robert Levin, worked at the shop downtown throughout his youth, learning the business intimately. Following years of robust growth, Robert assumed company operations in 1974. Applying his passion for cigars and entrepreneurial savvy, Robert created the Ashton cigar brand in 1985. Today, Ashton is a perennial “Top 5” brand in the U.S. market and is sold in the finest retailers in over 75 countries. Ashton cigars are blended and produced by legendary cigarmaker Carlito Fuente at the Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia factory in the Dominican Republic.

In the early 2000s, the Levin family revived La Aroma de Cuba, a famous Cuban-heritage brand dating back to the late 1800s. In 2007, they launched San Cristobal Cigars. Blended by world-renowned father-and-son cigarmakers José ‘Pepin’ Garcia and Jaime Garcia, La Aroma de Cuba and San Cristobal have grown into two of today’s most prominent Nicaraguan brands. Both are produced at the My Father Cigars S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

In 2004, Robert’s son, Sathya Levin, joined the company full-time and now leads the enterprise into its third generation as President & CEO. In 2007, Robert’s daughter, Meera Levin, also came on board full-time and serves as Vice President of International Sales.

In 2013, the Levin family opened Ashton Cigar Bar directly above the Holt’s Center City retail location. A signature showpiece for the Ashton cigar brand, Ashton Cigar Bar boasts a world-class selection of 200 premium cigars, 450 whiskeys, and over 600 total spirits.

Today, Holt’s Cigar Company ranks among the “Top 5” premium cigar retailers worldwide, supported by a leading e-commerce platform, its flagship retail store in Center City Philadelphia, and Holt’s Humidor, Bar & Lounge in the Northeast, home to one of the largest walk-in humidors in the country, featuring over 100,000 premium cigars in inventory and a full-service bar with a modern, expansive lounge. Cigar enthusiasts turn to Holt’s for an unparalleled selection of premium cigars, competitive pricing, outstanding service, and the expertise of a passionate team of cigar professionals. Visit us in person, online, and via social media.

Explore the world of cigars at Holt’s, where an homage to tradition, masterful craftsmanship, and an enduring reverence for the art of cigar-making define an exceptional customer experience.